7 fairytale castles in England where you can actually stay

Warwick Castle in England reflected in the lake

By Jaclynn Seah18 Aug 2022 • 3 minutes read

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a castle like royalty, then England is the place for your next vacation. There are castles all across England, a result of many centuries of feudal warfare and medieval nobility showing off their power. Whether it’s towers with turrets or an imposing wall that you favor, here’s our list of castles in England that you can stay in and pretend to be a king or queen just for a night or two.

1. Amberley Castle

Where: Amberley, West Sussex

Price: $$$ (view deals)

Best for: Couples who enjoy tranquility

The 14th-century-style Amberley Castle has over 900 years of history to its name with 19 luxurious rooms surrounded by its original 60-foot curtain wall complete with towers. Originally built by the Bishop of Chichester, the castle has passed through many hands and was most commonly used as a hunting lodge for nobility. Today its elegant Queen’s Room is popular for dining and afternoon tea. The castle is just 90 minutes away from London, set amidst the picturesque English South Downs countryside.

“Historic and stylish accommodations inside a 900+ year old castle. Rich and abundant quiet and reflection setting with professional and customer focused staff. Our first stay was 29 years ago and the second stay was equally unique. We’ll return again.”

2. Hever Castle

Where: Hever, Kent

Price: $$-$$$ (view deals)

Best for: Lovers of history and royalty

Hever Castle belonged to the Boleyns and was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and the erstwhile Queen of England for just 1,000 days. When Anne was beheaded, the castle was given over to Anne of Cleves, another of Henry’s wives. The 700-year-old castle, gardens and lake are open to the public to visit on a day trip, but you can choose to live like royalty in the 28 luxury rooms located in the Hever Castle Bed and Breakfast, or in the separate Tudor-style cottage known as Medley Court.

“Amazing place, both when the place is open and then when you get the grounds to yourself when the castle has closed.The rooms ooze history but the facilities are top notch. Breakfast full of variety and filling, set in panel lined rooms. Very, very good value for money”

3. Warwick Castle

Where: Warwick, Warwickshire

Price: $$-$$$

Best for: Families with kids

The medieval Warwick Castle was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Today it’s become a medieval theme park where there are daily shows, reenactments and other activities you can partake in. It’s often visited on a day tour from London alongside nearby attractions like Oxford and Shakespeare’s home village of Stratford-upon-Avon. You can opt for a spot of medieval glamping in the little white tents by the woods, or stay in the Knight’s Village Lodges. For something more luxe, book a tower suite.

“We stayed overnight at the Caesar's Tower Rose suite. From the start it was a wonderful experience, very friendly and helpful staff. The room was delightful, comfortable bed, spacious, all the details to make our stay memorable, including a bottle of champagne. For our daughter it was amazing. We watched the sunrise from the tower!! Great breakfast at the library, delicious afternoon tea. The falconer's quest was marvelous, it was really something.”

4. Thornbury Castle

Where: Thornbury, Gloucestershire

Price: $$$ (view deals)

Best for: Fans of the Tudor era

The 16th-century Thornbury Castle near the Cotswolds is a fine example of Tudor architecture. It was originally owned by Edward Stafford, the third Duke of Buckingham, whose wealth and status rivaled King Henry VIII. Unfortunately, it got him beheaded and the castle was seized by the King–who lived there with Anne Boleyn for a short period of time. You can stay in the very suite that the royals used back in the day, or any of the other 25 opulent rooms named after Tudorian historical figures.

“Our family had the most amazing time at the Castle. Each room is richly decorated, the food is exceptional and the gardens are a wonder to behold... We didn't want to leave! We played archery and threw axes, walked the grounds, visited the church next door, had high tea and made new friends. A truly magical place. A must see.”

5. Bovey Castle

Where: Dartmoor, Devon

Price: $$-$$$ (view deals)

Best for: Family groups that enjoy the outdoors

Bovey Castle is a 5-star 20th-century country getaway located in the middle of Dartmoor National Park. This sprawling 275-acre estate is like a private piece of paradise, home to 60 elegant rooms with Jacobean furniture and 22 self-contained private country lodges, as well as facilities like a croquet lawn, tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course.

“We had an incredible honeymoon at Bovey Castle... The facilities are first class and numerous activities offer a brilliant opportunity to explore the grounds.The food at on-site at Smith's Brassieres was exceptionally good. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Dartmoor National Park.”

6. Leeds Castle

Where: Maidstone, Kent

Price: $$-$$$

Best for: Families and history buffs

The picturesque Leeds Castle is perched in the middle of a lovely lake in the Kent countryside. Leeds Castle has passed through the hands of many nobles since its construction in the 10th century including six different English queens. But it’s best known as a favored property of King Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon, and the main site for The Field of Cloth of Gold, a royal tournament between England and France 500 years ago. There are many accommodation options on the 500-acre grounds–holiday cottages, bed and breakfast, glamping tents and the historic Manor House.

“The biggest selling point is that you are, of course, staying in a castle, which could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Unlike staying at the Stables (the other B&B at Leeds Castle), Maiden's Tower is located not just in the Castle grounds but within the Castle wall itself. A night's stay grants you the rare experience of wandering the castle grounds at your own leisure, even after the grounds have been closed to the public.”

7. Langley Castle

Where: Hexham, Northumberland

Price: $$

Best for: Those exploring Northern England or Scotland

Langley Castle is an imposing sight amidst the woodland of the Tyne valley, a fortified structure consisting of four medieval towers with 7-foot thick walls. The castle belonged to a long string of Lords and Ladies from its beginnings in the 14th century and was lovingly restored. There are nine modern rooms within the castle itself, and another 18 Castle-view accommodations and lodges located on the compound. Langley Castle is not far from the World Heritage Sites Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District.

“Driving through the forest and following the long winding road, we finally arrived at Langley Castle woodland estate Northumberland. I thought to myself as the castle came into view ‘OMG’. As we both walked towards the castle it was utterly breathtaking, with the huge fountain sitting so elegantly in front of the castle, along with the truly beautiful landscape surroundings . We walked through the huge wooden door of the castle’ and into the grand castle hallway–WOW…”

Recommended tours and activities

More like this: